POS0201-PARE “MOOD IS HAPPY AND DOWNRIGHT WILD” - HEALTH PROMOTION AND WELL-BEING THROUGH PEER-LED GROUP ACTIVITY
Authors: J. Karvonen
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Self-management refers to an individual's abilities and behavior to maintain and improve their own well-being and monitor and control the physical and psychosocial reactions related to their condition to maintain a satisfactory quality of life [1,2]. Self-management is an essential part of treatment alongside medical care. Peer support is based on sharing of information and experiential knowledge among persons living with the same condition. Peer support is seen more and more important in healthcare, and it has been used to improve overall health and promote health behavior and self-management. [3]. <h3>Objectives</h3> To promote the health and well-being of those living with rheumatic and/or musculoskeletal diseases, and to support their ability to cope with illness through peer-led "Reumatroppi" group activity. The aim of the group activity is to help participants notice things that increase well-being and health in their everyday lives and turn their thoughts to positive things. <h3>Methods</h3> The Finnish Rheumatism Association trains volunteers to become "Reumatroppi" group instructors. Trained volunteers set up a group and receive a written material consisting of thirty nonmedical health-related topics that are scientifically studied and relevant in management of rheumatic and/or musculoskeletal diseases. Topics include, for instance, resistance exercise, cardiovascular health, nutrition, recovery and rest. In addition, topics such as literature, music, nature, and creativity are included to broaden the view of self-management. The group meets regularly to discuss varying topics and share their experiences and thoughts. In addition, the group does joyous tasks together both indoors and outdoors. A task related to the topic is also given at home before next meeting. Self-report questionnaires with quantitative and qualitative questions are administered to the participants at the end of the group. <h3>Results</h3> In 2021-2022, 86% of participants (n=80) reported paying more attention to their health behaviors (incl. physical activity, nutrition, rest). Additionally, 91% of the participants stated that they had tried to improve their own well-being and health in their everyday lives. 76% of participants had reduced sitting and sedentary time. It is also noteworthy that 80% of the participants reported better mood, and 81% had experienced more enthusiasm in their everyday lives. In addition, 71% of the participants reported that they had been (physically) more active and found more arts in their lives during the group. 81% of the participants had also found new friends in the group. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Peer-led "Reumatroppi" group activity has been able to raise the awareness for self-management among those living with rheumatic and/or musculoskeletal disease. The participants have paid more attention to their health behavior and found new resources that promote their overall well-being. <h3>References</h3> [1]Barlow, J. et al. 2002. Self-management approaches for people with chronic conditions: a review. Patient Education and Counseling, 48 (2), 177-187. doi: 10.1016/S0738-3991(02)00032-0 [2]Luo, W. et al. 2020. In Mohammed Reem (eds.) Self-Management in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis - Other Perspectives towards a Better Practice. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.91047 [3]Doull, M. et al. 2017. Peer support strategies for improving the health and well-being of individuals with chronic diseases. Cochrane Database Systematic Review 27 (6), CD005352. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005352.pub <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> The Reumatroppi project is funded by the Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations (STEA). <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.